Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
Emmanuel, who governed the state from 2015 to 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was taken into custody on Tuesday after honouring an invitation at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m.
A source within the anti-graft agency told Punch that Emmanuel’s arrest followed a petition by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, which accused him of money laundering, diversion of funds and financial mismanagement.
“The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion,” the source said.
Further investigations reportedly uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single government account labeled Office of the Governor.
The funds were allegedly withdrawn progressively between 2019 and 2023.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
